In the current economic climate, putting your money in a certificate of deposit account can provide some stability. If you can afford to lock up some of your funds for a set term, fixed-rate CDs can help your money grow in a predictable way. Given the market volatility and recession fears, is now a good time to lock in certificates of deposit rates? Here’s what to consider and the differences between short-term and long-term CDs.
[Read: Best CD Rates.]
Why It Makes Sense to Lock in CD Rates Now
The Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady in April after trimming it three times to end 2025. The federal funds rate remains in the 3.50% to 3.75% target range, which is relatively high. With reports indicating that inflation is rising, forecasters generally anticipate that the Fed will either leave its rate unchanged or potentially raise it later this year. That’s a shift from earlier this year, when many observers predicted further rate cuts.
Despite the three consecutive Fed rate cuts last fall, average CD rates nationwide haven’t experienced a dramatic drop. The average six-month CD rate paid 1.35% in May, while the one-year rate stood at 1.55% and the five-year rate was 1.34%, according to the FDIC. Those figures get dragged down by CD rates at major banks that typically pay close to zero interest, so you should shop around for a much higher rate than the national average.
“The national average CD rate tells you very little about the earnings opportunities actually available to you,” says Mary Grace Roske, head of communications at CD Valet, a comprehensive CD marketplace that provides verified CD rates from federally-insured banks and credit unions. “Right now, the gap between average bank rates and the most competitive offers is nearly three percentage points, depending on the term. The best way to close that gap is to compare across multiple institutions, not just the bank you already use. Oftentimes, you can find more attractive offers from internet banks or community financial institutions.”
Rates on high-yield CDs dipped in the weeks surrounding the Fed’s September rate cut, according to a U.S. News analysis. They dropped again slightly following cuts in October and December. However, some banks have continued to offer generous rates on certain terms, which is why it is particularly important to compare multiple institutions before selecting your CD.
In fact, you can still find short-term and long-term CDs that pay an annual percentage yield of 4% or higher. For example, a six-month CD at Popular Direct yields 4.10% APY, while a five-year CD at Sallie Mae pays 4% APY.
Lower rates make borrowing easier and more affordable but tend to bring lower yields for savings products.
Why the One-Year CD May Be Your Best Bet Right Now
If you agree with forecasts that suggest the Fed will likely hold its rate steady in the coming months before potentially raising it later this year, then the one-year CD may be an ideal term to choose. This term provides flexibility should rates increase, while also giving you the best rates available.
U.S. News tracks CD rates at a dozen institutions that regularly offer the highest yields, and one-year CDs are averaging 3.67% APY, the highest mark they’ve hit so far this year. Meanwhile, six-month terms for high-yield CDs have dropped in recent months and have now fallen below one-year offerings. Longer-term CDs at these institutions have declined slightly this year, with the five-year rate currently averaging 3.32%.
Bask Bank and Popular Direct are both paying above 4% for one-year CDs.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term CD Rates
Certificates of deposit may offer you higher rates than a savings account. The tradeoff is that you must not touch the money you put into a CD for the set term. Doing so would trigger an early withdrawal penalty, which varies by financial institution. But is it better to choose a short-term or a long-term CD right now?
You have the flexibility to choose a CD term that works with your timeline and goals, whether that’s three months, six months, one year or five years. Generally, banks reward you with a higher annual percentage yield if you opt for a longer term. That gives banks a longer runway to use your funds. However, that’s not the case right now.
For the last several years, short-term CDs have been offering higher APYs than what you might find with long-term CDs. For example, Ally currently has a one-year CD offering 3.70% APY. The five-year CD has an APY of 3.40%.
But why are CD rates lower for longer terms right now? In technical terms, we have an inverted yield curve. With a normal yield curve, investors get rewarded with higher rates for tying up their money longer and taking on extra risk. After all, many variables affect interest rates, and the economy can change a lot over time. But when the yield curve inverts, investors believe that the economy may be weakening and that the Fed will be cutting rates. And according to the Fed, an inverted yield curve is a “powerful predictor of future recessions.”
Given the current economic climate, the federal funds rate is currently high in an attempt to combat persistent inflation. Banks feel comfortable offering higher rates now to track today’s higher federal funds rate.
[Read: Best Savings Accounts.]
CD Laddering Can Help You Diversify
If you want to diversify your savings strategy, consider a CD ladder. Through a CD ladder, you invest your funds in CDs with different term lengths. Normally, you’d divide the amount equally over the various CD terms, but you don’t have to do it that way.
If you receive an especially large tax refund, you may want to consider spreading your funds across multiple term lengths as part of a CD ladder, Roske says.
A CD ladder ensures you’re maximizing rates and access to funds. Typically, this helps you get your money faster if you need it while securing higher rates in the longer term.
“The ladder’s interesting because typically the premise of the ladder is that you would have two or three different CDs and step one is the lowest rate, step two is the middle rate, step three is the highest rate,” says Derik Farrar, head of personal deposits at U.S. Bank. “Now, you could find a high six-month rate and an acceptable 12-month rate, and maybe there’s a nine-month or an 18-month in between. But most of the market is concentrated where the attractive rates are under 12 months in duration.”
Once your CD term reaches maturity, you can reinvest those funds in a new CD to maintain your ladder. Of course, you don’t have to use this strategy and can cash out when the CD matures or choose different terms. Make sure you plan for that, as some CDs have automatic renewal at maturity.
What to Consider Before Opening a CD
Now is a good time to lock in a high APY with a certificate of deposit. You can use a CD ladder to secure the best short-term CD rates and long-term CD rates. But before locking rates, understand you’re tying up your money.
“I always ask, ‘Do you need this money?’ I even ask members, ‘When’s the last time those little emergency things have happened in your life? When did the water heater go out? Are these the funds that you would use for that particular purpose?'” Gravitt says.
While CD accounts can be a safe way to earn a solid return, you also want to make sure you have accessible cash in an emergency savings fund. Typically, a high-yield savings account is a good option for that. You can use both of these accounts for different purposes.
Farrar suggests consumers “need to know what they’re saving for and if they’re just maximizing for yield or if there is a particular life event that they’re saving for.”
For example, there’s a difference between wanting the best possible rate for its own sake compared to locking away funds for two years that are intended as a down payment on a home. If you do have a goal in mind, choose a CD term that aligns with that goal and keep your money growing.
The Bottom Line
Certificates of deposit can be a great addition to have on top of a high-yield savings account. CDs typically give you a fixed rate, while savings accounts have a variable rate. When shopping around for CDs, compare APYs and CD terms lengths.
Look at minimum deposit requirements as well. For example, Ally Bank offers no minimum deposit, while Wells Fargo requires a $2,500 minimum opening deposit for CDs. Read the fine print and understand CD early withdrawal penalties. Once you decide where to park your cash, you can open a CD and reap the rewards.
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Is Now a Good Time to Lock In Certificate of Deposit Rates? originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 06/03/26: This story was previously published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.